I would like to get a Sig pistol (besides the Mosquito), I have for a long time.  I have shot a P226 before, and I really like it.  I am looking at the P226 or P229 in 9mm.  Which one would be better?  It would be for HD/plinking, unfortunately no CCW in this state (I can only hope that will change someday).  Any input would be greatly appreciated.

If you can, I would go to a shooting range where you can rent both and see for yourself.

Personally, I own 3 P226, 2 9s and one .40. I love them. I prefer the 226 because it fits my hands better.

I have shot a 229 and am seriously considering getting one for CCW. I like the 229. It is a very nice weapon. You can't go wrong with either for your situation.

I've got a P226 and a P228 (size equivalet to a P229, just no rail).  I use my P228 for CCW when I carry.  Grip size wise they are virtually identical so feel wise they be the same.  The P226 is the full sized and the P229 is slightly shorter in length and height.  Capacity wise, in free states, OEM P226 is 15+1 and the P229 is 13+1.  However, you can use the P226 mags in your P229 (of the same caliber).  I've gotten some 17 round mags for my P226 over the years.  With the help of TGS I got some MecGar (who produce OEM mags for SiG) 17 rounders and some X-Grip adapter plates.  A little bench grinder action and My P228 has the same capacity as my P226.  You can do the same for yours if allowed in your state.  I can give you more info based on pesonal experience too if you like.

Overall, the main difference is barrel length and sight radius.  It's completely up to you which you prefer.  They are both excellent choices, IMO.

Thanks for the replies.  I guess I will have to find someone with a P229 that I can shoot to compare.  I am kind of leaning toward the smaller P229 in the hopes that I will be able to carry in this state or maybe move to one where I can.

If only I had the money to take the ARFCOM option:  Get both!!

Since you can't carry it I'd say go for the 226. I love my 229R more because it's easy to carry, but the 226 is a slightly better shooter to me. If you want to add a light for HD the 226R would be excellent.

P226 all the way. If you're not going to carry, the 226 is a no brainer. Longer barrel, and more accurate to me at least... + you have a 15 or 17 +1 capacity, vs. 12 +1 of the 229.

I own a 225, 226, 228, and a 229 in .40. If I could only keep one and wasn't going to carry it would probably be the 226. With the newer 18& 20 round mags its hard to beat for a range gun. Out of the three the 229 is my least favorite.

Most importantly, get the one that feels best to you.

Quoted: P226 all the way. If you're not going to carry, the 226 is a no brainer. Longer barrel, and more accurate to me at least... + you have a 15 or 17 +1 capacity, vs. 12 +1 of the 229.

+1.  At home you want to keep the highest capacity pistol you can effectively use and of the SIG's the P226 provides that.

Quoted: Quoted: P226 all the way. If you're not going to carry, the 226 is a no brainer. Longer barrel, and more accurate to me at least... + you have a 15 or 17 +1 capacity, vs. 12 +1 of the 229. +1.  At home you want to keep the highest capacity pistol you can effectively use and of the SIG's the P226 provides that.

Depending on whether or not one lives in a free state or not, the capacity can be the same in either.  While I lived in Colorado, I bought several MecGar P226 17 round mags from TGS along with some X-Grip adapter plates.  A couple of minutes with a bench grinder and I had 17+1 capacity in my P228 to match the same in my P226.  My P228 is my CCW.  Now living in Washington, I still use the same handgun and the same mags for CCW.  It's all good.

Quoted: I own a 225, 226, 228, and a 229 in .40. If I could only keep one and wasn't going to carry it would probably be the 226. With the newer 18& 20 round mags its hard to beat for a range gun. Out of the three the 229 is my least favorite. Most importantly, get the one that feels best to you.

Why?  Not lookin' to pick a fight; just lookin' to buy.

I have a P6 (~P225).  Now it's between the 226/228/229.

And I got to shoot a sweet-ass 220 this weekend at a class.

I like the 226. Fits my hands. I bought the 40 because I can swap to a 357sig barrel and a 9MM conversion barrel.

I own a 229 so it's obvious what I prefer.  The 226 is a phenomenal pistol, though, the same thing as the 229 with more mass, more barrel, and more magazine.  The whole purpose of the 229 was to have something to conceal.  Anyone that has read my other posts knows where that went: when the temperature is 120 degrees, a 2 lbs pistol doesn't conceal very well.

If you're looking for a good, solid, accurate, dependable, high capacity, home only service-quality pistol, get the 226 and never look back.  If you're ever planning on putting it in your pocket and you're concerned about that extra inch of length, 229.

I'm picking up a new 226 today.  Can't wait!

ALso spoke w/ a buddy last night who wants to sell his 228, score for me!

Whichever you get, but MecGar mags.  I bought 3 mecgar 18 rd mags for my 226--flush fit.  At $25 each, they're cheaper than factory and hold 3  extra rounds (not 17+1, but 18 + 1 in the chamber).

Quoted: I'm picking up a new 226 today.  Can't wait! ALso spoke w/ a buddy last night who wants to sell his 228, score for me!

Man, I sure wish I lived in the land of milk and honey of used Sigs like you apparently do...

I have two P226 german guns and one P228, also a german gun, and the 226's are my favorites hands down. The 228 is easier for me to CCW, which I do, but for shooting the 226 can't be beat. YMMV

You also might consider a SigPRO 2022 9mm.  They were just discontinued and they are priced very nicely.

http://www.gundealeronline.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=2022

I just picked one up a few weeks ago...and they are going fast.  Fits my (big) hand very nicely, shoots straight.  I really like it.

The package i bought included the sp2022, night sights, three 15rd mags, lock, and a second grip.  If you are looking at a 226, check out the 2022 while they last.

^ There's an SP2022 on gunbroker right now for $270, with two days left.